The largest pest-proof fenced sanctuary for endangered plants and creatures in the South Island including a number of rare and endangered species such as tīeke (South Island Saddle back) and kakariki karaka.  There are good numbers of tui, bellbirds, fantails, kereru, and several nationally uncommon native bird species are present, such as kārearea (falcon), titipounamu (rifleman), and toutouwai (South Island robin).

The Sanctuary offers 15kms of public walking tracks ranging from established and easy to more demanding (yet very rewarding).

About two-thirds of the 690 hectare site comprises mature southern beech forest with several podocarp species such as rimu, matai and tōtara, and the balance being a mosaic of kānuka/mānuka forest with broad-leaved forest on land cleared in the 1800s.

In May, fungi often abound dependent upon recent rains.

There are also opportunities for bush and landscape photography with streams running through the sanctuary and high vantage points.